Brandon Smith returns to play for South Sydney after rehab, addressing alcohol and gambling issues, with Wayne Bennett praising his turnaround.
Wayne Bennett has paid tribute to Brandon Smith for turning his life around as the South Sydney hooker gets ready to take the field for the first time since entering a rehab facility.
Smith, who missed the first five rounds of the Rabbitohs' season with a calf injury, is named to start in the No.9 jersey against reigning minor premiers Canberra at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday.
The 29-year-old Smith has been working on more than just his recovery over recent months, revealing how he had entered a treatment facility to tackle issues relating to alcohol and gambling.
The New Zealand Test hooker realised he needed to make a change to his life after he was stopped at an airport and charged by Queensland Police last year over allegations he supplied dangerous drugs and disclosed inside knowledge for betting purposes.